A Retrospective Analysis of Morbidity and Risk Factors of Multiple Myeloma with Peripheral Neuropathy

<b>Aims/Background</b> Peripheral nerve injury affects some people with multiple myeloma; this condition can be brought on by the disease itself or by the treatments they receive. Such a complication increases patients' financial burden, causes treatment to be interrupted or delayed, and reduces treatment efficacy. However, opinions regarding the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy are currently divided. Consequently, the primary goals of this study were to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and related risk factors in newly diagnosed and untreated patients of multiple myeloma. <b>Methods</b> Sixty-one patients with newly diagnosed and untreated multiple myeloma were retrospectively analyzed. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) in all patients was assessed via electromyography. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of PN. The differences in body mass index, haemoglobin, monoclonal M protein (M protein) and other related indicators between the two groups were analyzed using independent sample <i>t</i>-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. <b>Results</b> Of the 61 patients, 72% had PN. Neuroelectrophysiological studies revealed that PN patients have abnormalities in both their motor and sensory fibres. We discovered that PN was strongly correlated with age, haemoglobin, and levels of creatinine (<i>p</i> = 0.039, <i>p</i> = 0.045, and <i>p</i> = 0.030, respectively). <b>Conclusion</b> Age, haemoglobin and creatinine levels are associated with the occurrence of PN. Investigation of the incidence and risk factors of multiple myeloma-associated PN can provide a better theoretical basis for the selection of treatment options and the enhancement of patient well-being and satisfaction.